SECTION ONE: THE AKA UNDERGRADUATE CORE ELEMENTS

There is a well-established literature base, accrued over the past 50+ years, supporting the critical importance of engaging in regular physical activity for both physical and mental health, wellbeing, and optimal quality of life. A notable addition to the research literature in the past few decades is the broadening of the concept of Kinesiology, encompassing the study of human movement beyond physical activity to include

1. planned and intentional exercise,
2. optimizing sport performance and skill development, and
3. sedentary behaviors or the absence of movement.

Collectively, these advances in the field of Kinesiology have important implications for undergraduate students as the relationship between human movement and the lack of it has become more complex with respect to optimal function and wellbeing. Regarding career aspirations, many undergraduate students in kinesiology programs intend to pursue postbaccalaureate educational training in allied health fields (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy) whereas others may seek careers as program directors or sport/health coaches. Regardless of the ultimate career path(s) of the contemporary kinesiology student, we have a social obligation to prepare our students to become knowledgeable, effective, and passionate advocates for human movement in places where they live, work and play. For all the progress in the research and application of human movement knowledge in the past few decades, as a field we have much work to do to better understand the benefits of human movement for all individuals. Given that

1. physical activity varies across different demographic groups and
2. our undergraduate student body does not parallel society demographics, we have an imperative to address these challenges.

In sum, it is essential that the undergraduate kinesiology core embrace the complexities of human movement beyond physical activity to include exercise and sedentary behavior across our days and lives with appreciation for the myriad of benefits for health, wellbeing, and quality of life for all individuals regardless of demographics and health status.

A defining feature of the academic discipline of Kinesiology is its integration of multidimensional study and application of physical activity to different settings and populations. Well-prepared Kinesiology graduates are expected to have a sound understanding of the scientific foundations of physical activity. For many departments, scientific foundations are provided by a series of courses that are taken by all majors regardless of their ultimate career goals; however, not all programs will have similar course sequences or depth of coverage in all foundational scientific areas. Regardless of course sequence, discussions should be included in scientific foundations courses to help students apply concepts across a variety of settings and population demographics.

Foundational Scientific Content Areas and Example Courses
Note: The specific titles and content of scientific foundation courses offered will vary from institution to institution depending on local preferences and constraints

• Scientific process applied to physical activity (e.g., research methods, measurement and evaluation, fundamentals of evidence-based practice, etc.)
• Behavior change in physical activity contexts (e.g., exercise psychology, sport psychology, etc.)
• Physiological response to physical activity (e.g., exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, etc.)
• Motor behavior principles and applications (e.g., motor learning, motor control, motor development, etc.)
• Anatomical and biomechanical principles and mechanisms of movement (e.g., anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, anatomical kinesiology, etc.)

A strong foundation in the cultural, historical, inclusive, and philosophical dimensions of kinesiology is a vital component of a well-rounded Kinesiology education. Sociocultural and historical factors shape attitudes toward and engagement in physical activity, both at the individual and community levels. Additionally, understanding philosophical, cultural, and historical perspectives equips future professionals to navigate the ethical challenges they may encounter in their careers.

Coursework in the humanities and other social sciences enhances cultural awareness, and supports ethical decision-making grounded in sound principles. Many Kinesiology programs include undergraduate courses that explore topics such as physical culture, cultural kinesiology, the sociology of sport and physical activity, the history of sport and physical activity, sport and healthcare ethics, and sport marketing and media. While course offerings may vary across institutions based on local priorities and resources, they collectively contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the broader social and ethical contexts of kinesiology.

The AKA believes that regular and consistent participation in physical activity is an essential component of mental and physical health, wellness and living a healthy lifestyle. The AKA supports physical activity as active participation in group, team-based, or individual lifetime and leisure activities, mainstream and non-mainstream sports, recreation, and exercise on land, water, or air. The Kinesiology curriculum should be inclusive and provide numerous opportunities for students of multiple intersecting identities to be engaged in various forms of physical activity. Within the Kinesiology curriculum, Kinesiology students should model physical activity and demonstrate the physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychomotor effects to be experienced across a lifespan and which contribute to professional practice and everyday life. Physical activity opportunities could include participation from physical activity coursework taken for academic credit, through extra-curricular activities, on-campus recreation, a component of course, or through internship experiences.